Olympics

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Despite the numerous injuries to the San Jose Sharks' forwards, the team coasted to a 4-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday from SAP Center. Recently named Olympian Joe Pavelski put up a big night with two goals, nearly netting his first career hattrick in the waning minutes of the game. Pavelski commented,

"We’re going to have to see the video. Guys say it was [close],” Pavelski said, with a smile. He later added: “It’ll happen, I bet. Hopefully. We’ll see, we’ll keep trying. That was one of the better looks I’ve had at it, though.”

Pavelski has been on quite a tear lately. He was named to his second straight Winter Olympics and has scored eight goals in the last ten games, proving himself to be a consistent leader on the ice. He has settled in quite well with the top line, alongside the likes of Joe Thornton and Brent Burns. Thornton notched two more assists, bringing his NHL-leading tally up to 45.

The second period of the game cemented the Shark's victory. Midway through the period, Andrew Dejardins cranked a shot past goaltender Jimmy Howard from the playoff circle, and the momentum of the game was set. Pavelski got his second goal three minutes later, and less than four minutes after that, Dan Boyle scored on a power play, making the score 4-1.

Though no goals were logged in the third period, there was certainly no shortage of action. The Red Wing's frustration was unmistakable, with no fewer than four penalties issued for fighting in the last five minutes of the game, most noteably the majors issued to Detroit's Danny Cleary and San Jose's Scott Hannan in the final two minutes.

This season San Jose has had their fair share of difficulties on the road, but their home record is phenomenal at 16-1-3. They have one more home game against the Boston Bruins on Saturday before embarking on a three game road trip before returning to SAP Center to take on the Calgary Flames on Jan. 20.